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On a Tree Fallen Across the Road

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On a Tree Fallen Across the Road
The art of poetry is a very deep form of writing which, when executed properly, can be interpreted many different ways. “On a Tree Fallen Across the Road” by Robert Frost may seem like just a walk in the woods, but it is far from that. This poem is about a man who is faced with a fallen tree blocking his path and has no way of getting around it. In fact, the illustrated problem proves to bring on advancement rather than be an obstacle. Frost demonstrates this with problem solving, progression and demonstrates that problems create personal growth.

Problem solving is a major factor of this poem. There are two different types of problems – physical and mental, this situation captures them both. A fallen tree blocking the path is a very concrete problem, but overcoming it requires both mental and physical abilities. In this case, the speaker is faced with a situation which requires evaluation to conquer.

“She likes to halt us in our runner tracks,
And make us get down in a foot of snow
Debating what to do without an ax” (Frost, lines 6, 7 and 8)

This is very effective and makes the reader sit back and think of a solution. Many people would associate an axe to a solution of a fallen tree, but in this event, the speaker cannot – he must keep thinking. Sometimes you really have to dig deep for a solution and just do whatever it takes to attain it. In line 7, Frost uses very effective writing to describe what it takes to get to glory, because in most case, it is not the easiest thing to do. With all this said, problem solving is excellent for personal growth because it will help you attain what you desire.

In addition, progression is very accurately illustrated in this poem. Frost really makes the reader think that even the smallest decision in life will affect us one way or another. At first, the speaker in this poem does not think he can get around the fallen tree, “Our passage to our journey’s end for good” (Frost, line 3), but soon realizes

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